PH third most disaster-hit country in 2010

(SPOT.ph) The Philippines ranked third in the list of countries most hit by natural disasters last year with a total of 14 disasters, reports ABS-CBN News. According to the report, which cited the Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), the country followed China (22 disasters) and India (16 disasters).

If human-induced disasters in the Philippines were included, the total number would reach 202, with 239 casualties and P25 billion in damages.

In 2009, the Philippines topped the list with 26 disasters including tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng. Despite the decrease in disaster figures, CDRC Deputy Executive Director Carlos Padolina said, "We shouldn’t be content with just a slight decrease in the number of affected population. We should strive to be taken off the list completely." He added, "We can do this by being prepared."

The CDRC is a partner of the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters in Belgium, which is under the World Health Organization.